Transformation made possible thanks to government partnership
London, Ontario, June 25, 2011 – London residents are now able to enjoy a fully revamped Ed Blake Park, and just in time for summer, thanks to a government funding partnership.
Federal, provincial and municipal representatives were on hand today to celebrate major improvements to the park, which is the primary green space in the community of Northeast London. Park features include a new splash pad, soccer field, washrooms and playground equipment, as well as additional trees, benches and pathways to spruce up picnic and gathering spaces. This redevelopment will benefit people of all ages and provide a better, more invigorating public space for the community to come together and grow. .
“Ed Blake Park is a beautiful green space at the heart of this neighbourhood. This renewal will encourage residents to get outdoors and enjoy the wonderful recreational facilities that are now at their doorstep,” said Susan Truppe, Member of Parliament for London North Centre on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. “The Government of Canada is proud to be a part of this exciting day to celebrate a special project that will revitalize this community and contribute to the health and happiness of all those who live here.”
“I’m delighted that our government supported the upgrades to Ed Blake Park so all kids and their families in this neighbourhood can come together to be active, have fun and keep this community vibrant,” said the Honourable Deb Matthews, MPP for London North Centre. “Ontario is investing in enhancing parks and community spaces as part of our plan to help support families and create jobs.”
London Mayor Joe Fontana added his approval for the park upgrade saying, “Londoners want neighbourhood opportunities to get outdoors for exercise, playing with their children, relaxation or just socializing with neighbours and friends. The new look and features of this green space delivers on all counts and I expect the park will be a central feature for fun and games this summer. The City of London was pleased to be able to partner with other levels of government to make these improvements for park enthusiasts.”
The governments of Canada and Ontario have each committed over $391,000 toward the eligible costs of this project. The City of London is contributing the balance of the total project cost of $1.175 million.
Federal funding for this project comes from the Government of Canada’s $4-billion Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, which is providing funding to over 4,100 infrastructure projects across the country.
Over the last couple of months, Ontario had an increase of 38,000 jobs and the unemployment rate declined to 7.9 per cent.
For additional information about investments in infrastructure, visit www.creatingjobs.gc.ca.
For further information about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
For more information on how Ontario is revitalizing its infrastructure, visit ontario.ca/infrastructure.
Contacts:
Vanessa Schneider
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
613-991-0700
Office of MPP Matthews
519-432-7339
Rob Paynter
Manager of Corporate Communications
City of London
519-661-2500 ext. 4783
Infrastructure Canada
613-948-1148 or toll-free 1-877-250-7154
